Author: Daniel Alvarez
UTRGV’s Journey Towards Collegiate Football: A New Era in the Rio Grande Valley In February 2016, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) took a significant step towards expanding its athletic offerings by announcing a comprehensive feasibility study for a collegiate football program. Spearheaded by then-President Guy Bailey and Athletic Director Chris King, this $100,000 initiative aimed to explore the potential for introducing football to the university’s sports portfolio. The Role of the Feasibility Study Chaired by renowned college football coach Mack Brown, the feasibility study concluded in August 2017, paving the way for the Vaqueros to potentially embrace…
UTRGV Women’s Basketball Team Hosts Texas Longhorns in 2025-26 Season RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The excitement for the upcoming UTRGV women’s basketball season is building, especially with the announcement that the team will host the Texas Longhorns, a 2025 Final Four contender, on December 10 at Bert Ogden Arena. This game is set for 6:30 p.m., and it promises to be a thrilling matchup between two formidable teams. Previous Encounters and Fan Engagement The UTRGV Vaqueros previously hosted the Longhorns in 2023, drawing a staggering crowd of 6,591 fans—the largest attendance for a women’s basketball game in the Rio Grande…
Joel Villanueva: A New Chapter in the Rio Grande Valley’s Sports Scene The Rio Grande Valley is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes back Joel Villanueva, Channel 5 News’ newest anchor. After spending five years away, Villanueva has returned to his roots, bringing with him a wealth of experience and insight, particularly regarding local sports. His reunion with the Valley coincides with a groundbreaking moment for the region: the establishment of a football team at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). A Homecoming to Remember After an extended absence from his hometown, Joel Villanueva’s return is not just…
Joel Villanueva Returns to KRGV 5 as Morning Anchor On September 22, 2025, KRGV 5 Rio Grande Valley will welcome back former Sports Director Joel Villanueva as their new morning anchor. This exciting transition marks a significant milestone in Villanueva’s career, bringing seasoned experience back to a familiar setting. A Journey at KRGV 5 Joel Villanueva has had a remarkable trajectory at KRGV, which traces back over a decade. He commenced his journey in 2009 as a video editor, gradually climbing through the ranks. In 2008, he took on the role of weekend sports anchor, demonstrating his talent and commitment…
UT Rio Grande Valley Dominates with 80-0 Victory Over Langston In a stunning display of athleticism and skill, the UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) football team clinched an overwhelming victory against Langston University, an NAIA-member team, with a staggering score of 80-0. This decisive win not only highlights UTRGV’s prowess on the field but also serves as a significant statement within the collegiate football landscape. UTRGV Football: A Season of Promising Potential The victory comes as UTRGV continues to build its football program, showcasing the depth and talent that the team has cultivated. With this win, the university reaffirms its…
Channel 5 News Welcomes a New Morning Anchor Exciting Changes Ahead for Viewers Channel 5 News is thrilled to announce the expansion of its anchor team, bringing fresh perspectives and familiar faces to the morning lineup. As significant transitions take place, viewers can expect engaging and comprehensive news coverage during their weekday mornings. Meet the New Morning Anchor: Joel Villanueva A Welcoming Homecoming Returning to Channel 5 News is Joel Villanueva, who once held the position of Sports Director. As of Monday, September 22, 2025, he will step into his new role as a morning anchor, taking the reins alongside…
The Rise of UTRGV Football: A New Era in the Rio Grande Valley A Historical Overview of Football in the RGV The journey of football at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is rich with history and resilience. It traces its roots back to 1927 when the institution, then known as Edinburg Junior College, formed the first collegiate football team in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). This ambitious program, however, was short-lived and paused shortly thereafter, only to make a brief resurgence in the years following World War II. Despite local enthusiasm, the earlier attempts at establishing a…
UTRGV Expands Vaqueros Sports Network with Spanish Broadcasts of Home Football Games A Historic Partnership The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding its athletic programs. On July 22, 2025, UTRGV’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics revealed a new partnership with Latino Media Network (LMN) to broadcast all home football games in Spanish. This initiative aims to serve the diverse community of the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico, allowing fans to engage with the games like never before. Radio Broadcasts Available Fans can catch every game live on KYWW 1530 AM Puro Tejano and…
Coach Monty Stumbaugh Inducted into RGV Sports Hall of Fame On June 28, 2025, the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame held its 37th Induction Ceremony in Harlingen, Texas, celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of local sports figures. Among the distinguished individuals inducted into this prestigious hall was Monty “Stump” Stumbaugh, the former Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Port Isabel High School. With his induction, Stumbaugh joins an elite group of past head coaches from Port Isabel, including Alex Leal (1996), John C. Lerma (2000), Willie Crafts (2003), Tommy Roberts (2009), and Tony Villarreal III (2018). A Legacy…
UTRGV Welcomes Ramsey Amador as Student-Athlete Academic Advisor RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has announced the hiring of Ramsey Amador as a new student-athlete academic advisor within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This pivotal role focuses on enhancing the academic success of UTRGV’s student-athletes, particularly within the football program. Background of Ramsey Amador Ramsey Amador is no stranger to UTRGV. He began his collegiate career as a member of the university’s baseball team in 2020, showcasing his athletic talents before transitioning to Texas A&M-Kingsville. During his time at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Amador demonstrated impressive…